Jersey City Will Launch Books & Badges Series

The library and police department will host four book-centered discussions for residents starting this September.

Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Civic Engagement

Isometric editorial illustration of a stack of books and a lamp on a table, symbolizing community dialogue. — The Jersey City Free Public Library and local police department will launch 'Books & Badges,' a community discussion series starting September 23 to improve local relations. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe community discussion programs with police improve trust in your local area?

Beginning September 23, 2026, the Jersey City Free Public Library and Jersey City Police Department will launch a four-part community discussion series titled Books & Badges. The program invites residents and teens age 15 and older to engage in facilitated conversations regarding public service, trust, and identity.

Why it matters

The initiative aims to cultivate dialogue and strengthen relationships between police officers and local community members in non-emergency settings. By using shared readings as a foundation, the program seeks to build mutual understanding outside of crisis moments.

The program features four total sessions open to attendees aged 15 and older. Participants will explore a curated reading list that includes The Constitution of the United States alongside works by Jonathan Haidt and Dale Carnegie.

The players

Jersey City Free Public Library

This municipal institution provides educational resources, curated reading materials, and community programming to residents across its various city branches.

Jersey City Police Department

The local law enforcement agency is responsible for maintaining public safety and building community partnerships within Jersey City.

The details

Sessions are facilitated by a police department lieutenant and the library manager of social services at various city branches. These conversations focus on topics such as leadership, communication, belonging, and trust to bridge gaps between law enforcement and the public.

The first session begins at Miller Branch Library on September 23, 2026.
The second session occurs at Earl A. Morgan Branch on October 28, 2026.
The third session occurs at Communipaw Branch on November 17, 2026.
The final session occurs at Priscilla Gardner Main Library on December 17, 2026.

Immigration
Sept. 21
Jersey City Residents Trained for ICE Encounters
Corporate Finance
Sept. 22
Jersey City Council Addressed 17 Audit Findings
People
Sept. 22
Jersey City Communications Director Has Departed

Political Context

Opponents of community-police partnership programs often raise concerns that such initiatives are performative rather than structural reforms. Critics frequently argue that substantive policy changes are required to address systemic issues within law enforcement beyond moderated dialogue.

The program provides Jersey City residents aged 15 and up with a direct channel to engage with law enforcement officials in a controlled environment. Attendees can influence local discourse on public service and community trust by participating in these facilitated discussions.

The takeaway

This series offers a rare opportunity for residents to engage in structured conversations with officers about complex societal topics. Participants should prepare for the sessions by considering their own perspectives on the selected reading list topics to contribute effectively to the dialogue.